If you drive a Tesla, you already know that charging your car is different from filling up a traditional gas-powered vehicle. With more electric vehicle (EV) charging stations popping up across the country, many Tesla owners wonder about the cost of charging at various locations. One popular chain offering EV charging services is Sheetz, a convenience store that has installed charging stations at several of its locations. In this article, we’ll explore the cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz, how Tesla Supercharging works, and what you need to know to manage your charging costs.
What Is Sheetz and Its Role in EV Charging?
Sheetz is a well-known convenience store chain primarily located in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It’s popular for offering a wide range of products and services, from coffee to freshly made food. Recently, Sheetz has become a go-to spot for EV drivers, particularly those who own a Tesla, because they provide charging stations at some of their locations.
In partnership with Tesla and other EV charging providers, Sheetz has equipped several stores with fast-charging stations. These stations allow Tesla drivers to charge their vehicles while grabbing a snack or coffee from the store.
Tesla Supercharger Network
Before diving into the specific cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz, it’s important to understand how Tesla’s Supercharger network operates. Tesla Superchargers are designed to provide high-speed charging, enabling drivers to get back on the road quickly. The speed and efficiency of Superchargers are one of the major advantages of owning a Tesla, especially for long-distance travel.
Tesla’s Superchargers are strategically located across the country, making long trips easier for EV owners. Charging at a Supercharger is typically faster than using a home charging station or a Level 2 public charger. Most Tesla models can gain about 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes at a Supercharger.
Types of Chargers Available at Sheetz
At Sheetz, there are different types of EV chargers available depending on the location. Some Sheetz stores are equipped with Tesla Superchargers, while others offer third-party fast chargers such as Electrify America or ChargePoint. These chargers can be used by various EV models, but Tesla owners can only use Superchargers directly unless they have an adapter for other charging networks.
Tesla drivers should look for Sheetz locations with Superchargers if they want the fastest charging experience. The Supercharger stations can deliver significant power, making it possible to top up a Tesla battery in a relatively short amount of time.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge a Tesla at Sheetz?
The cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz can vary depending on several factors. Let’s take a look at the different variables that can impact the price:
1. Charging Speed and Power Delivered
Tesla Superchargers deliver high power, and the faster the charge, the higher the cost. Sheetz stations typically offer Superchargers that can charge at rates of up to 250 kW, which significantly speeds up the charging process. In general, the cost of charging at these high-powered stations is calculated based on how much electricity your vehicle uses, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
2. Location-Based Pricing
The cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz may differ depending on the state or region where the Sheetz store is located. Electricity prices vary by location, and some states may have higher rates due to local regulations or taxes. For example, charging a Tesla in Pennsylvania could cost less than charging in New York due to differences in electricity costs.
3. Time Spent Charging
While some locations charge based on the amount of energy delivered in kWh, others charge based on the amount of time you spend connected to the charger. Tesla Superchargers typically charge per minute at some locations, especially where energy rates are higher. This means that if your vehicle charges quickly and you unplug soon after, you will pay less.
4. Peak and Off-Peak Pricing
Similar to home electricity plans, some Supercharger stations use peak and off-peak pricing. If you charge your Tesla during a peak time (usually late afternoon or early evening), you may pay more than if you charge during off-peak hours (late at night or early in the morning).
5. Tesla Supercharging Plans
Tesla offers different Supercharging plans for its customers. Some Tesla owners, particularly those who purchased their vehicles prior to a certain year, may have free unlimited Supercharging. However, most newer Tesla owners will need to pay for Supercharging, either on a pay-per-use basis or through a subscription model that provides discounted rates for frequent users.
See Also: How Much Is The Cheapest Tesla Electric Car
Average Cost of Charging a Tesla at Sheetz
To give you a ballpark figure, the cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz with a Tesla Supercharger usually ranges from $0.25 to $0.40 per kWh. Based on this, let’s break down a few examples of how much it might cost to fully charge your Tesla:
Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range): With a battery size of around 54 kWh, it would cost between $13.50 and $21.60 to fully charge a Model 3 at a Sheetz Supercharger, depending on the rate.
Tesla Model S (Long Range): The Model S has a larger battery, around 100 kWh, so a full charge would cost between $25 and $40.
Tesla Model X (Long Range): With a battery size of 100 kWh, charging a Model X would also cost between $25 and $40.
Keep in mind that you rarely need to fully charge your Tesla from 0% to 100%. Most Tesla drivers charge their vehicles when the battery is between 10% and 20%, topping up to around 80% for optimal battery health. This means that in most cases, you’ll only need to spend a fraction of the full charging cost, making it more affordable on a day-to-day basis.
How to Pay for Charging at Sheetz
Paying for charging your Tesla at Sheetz is simple. Tesla Superchargers automatically bill your account through the Tesla app. When you plug your car into a Supercharger, the system identifies your vehicle and automatically starts the charging process. Once you’re finished, the cost is added to your Tesla account, and you can review the details through the Tesla app or website.
Some Sheetz locations also feature non-Tesla charging stations, such as Electrify America. For these, you’ll need to use the specific charging network’s app to start and pay for your charging session. Keep in mind that pricing may be different depending on the network and the type of charger available.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla at Sheetz?
Charging time depends on your Tesla model and how much battery you have when you start charging. On average, Tesla Superchargers can provide up to 200 miles of range in about 15 minutes. If you’re stopping at Sheetz for a quick break, this is often enough time to grab a snack and get back on the road with a fully charged car.
Here’s a rough estimate of how long it takes to charge a Tesla at a Sheetz Supercharger:
Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range): 15 to 30 minutes for a partial charge, about 1 hour for a full charge.
Tesla Model S (Long Range): 20 to 45 minutes for a partial charge, about 1.5 hours for a full charge.
Tesla Model X (Long Range): 20 to 45 minutes for a partial charge, about 1.5 hours for a full charge.
Benefits of Charging Your Tesla at Sheetz
Sheetz is a convenient place to charge your Tesla for several reasons:
Convenient Locations: Sheetz stores are often located near major highways, making them ideal for road trips.
Fast Charging: With Tesla Superchargers, you can quickly get back on the road without waiting for hours.
Food and Beverages: While your Tesla charges, you can grab a coffee, meal, or snack inside the store.
Comfortable Break: Charging offers an opportunity to take a break during long drives, making it a more enjoyable experience overall.
Conclusion
Charging your Tesla at Sheetz can be an affordable and convenient option, especially for drivers who want to take advantage of the Tesla Supercharger network. The cost of charging a Tesla at Sheetz typically ranges from $0.25 to $0.40 per kWh, with the total price depending on your Tesla model, location, and charging habits. By keeping an eye on these factors, you can manage your EV charging costs effectively and enjoy the benefits of fast charging while you’re on the go.
